Specimen Fixation

Specimen fixation is a process used in microscopy to prepare a sample for observation. It involves preserving the specimens in a relatively permanent state to prevent them from decaying and preserve their structural integrity. Fixation is typically accomplished through the use of chemicals that are applied to the specimen, often with heat and pressure. Fixation helps to preserve the structure of samples, increase the resolution of microscopic images, reduce the background clutter, and increase the efficiency of biochemical and nucleic acid staining. Specimen fixation is a critical step in biological specimen preparation as it helps to ensure that the specimen is accurately observed and analyzed.